Where to chill on a hot day: The best of Beaumont patios

Nathaniel Welch, left, and Meg Baertl, right, sit down over drinks and eats on the patio at The Cabana at The Grill. Photo by Randy Edwards/cat5, hair/wardrobe/makeup styling by Grace Mathis

Patios are designed for customers to linger. Under shade and mood lighting, with the company of friends and family, a summer’s day stretches into twilight and creates something magical. One mark of a thriving city is a patio scene. Community is made outdoors, as it benefits not only those making connections, but also passersby who can witness the fun from the air conditioning of their cars.

Ever have to work on a warm and breezy Saturday? As you drive by sunglass-wearing locals, sipping from pastel cups covered in condensation, grinning from under wide straw hats, the envy is enough to pull your car into a parking spot. For a moment, you can feel the sun and shade, taste the sweet drink and feel the relaxation of a time spent among friends.

Although you’re responsible, and resist the urge to play hooky, you’ve already unconsciously promised Sunday to the outdoors. Here are the places in town to spend your next day in the sun.

Ana’s BakeryBest Place to Impress a DateWhere: 2570 Calder Ave., BeaumontInfo: (409) 212-8450Online: “Ana’s Mexican Bakery” on Facebook
Romantic comedies all seem to have a scene where the star takes his or her love interest to an off-the-beaten-path restaurant, in an effort to reveal a hidden side and make the star seem infinitely more complex and soulful. In a Beaumont movie, the restaurant of choice should always be Ana’s.

Ordering off the menu is easy: there is no menu. Of course, to a seasoned customer, this isn’t so much an obstacle as a challenge. If becoming a seasoned customer isn’t in your time frame, take one look at the patio to understand why you should make time. A wooden bridge, a stone waterfall, patio tables and a lush green field make Ana’s the most undiscovered patio in town.

Enjoy a fresh fruit ice on a stick next to the waterfall or stretch out on the green grass for a picnic you don’t have to cook. You can even bring hula hoops for you and your date. It’s easy to be inventive and showcase your creative side, ensuring that your evening of romantic comedy has a sequel.

Suga’s Patio 461Best Downtown Patio and Happy Hour SpotWhere: 461 Bowie St., BeaumontInfo: (409) 813-1808Online: sugasdeepsouth.com
Suga’s is another location that has to be on any “Best of” patios lists. Strangely, its existence is still a mystery to many locals. Discovering Suga’s patio is a bit like discovering the toy closet of your grandparent’s house: you already loved visiting, but the revelation feels like a whole new side of an old love. Perfect for showcasing the lovely side of downtown Beaumont, this patio is sure to impress out-of-town colleagues or even local associates who don’t yet consider downtown to be the sophisticated haven it’s transforming into.

The Cabana at The GrillFor Relaxing with Close FriendsWhere: 6680 Calder Ave., BeaumontInfo: (409) 866-0039Online: theaspgrill.com
The Cabana is my de facto patio recommendation because it caters to every situation. It’s perfect to celebrate birthdays and promotions, take relatives or just enjoy happy hour out on the town. With a consistently adventurous (but still tasty) appetizer menu, a comprehensive wine list and colorful cocktails that taste as good as their liquor content, The Cabana always pleases. Plus, once you’ve mastered their happy hour specials, you can enjoy all of the elegance of The Grill without the staggering bill.

The Cabana fits so many different scenes because its subtle elegance provides comfort and mood lighting without overwhelming you with distracting activities. Sometimes friends want to talk, and The Cabana is the most relaxing environment to do that.

While The Cabana hosts live music on Thursday nights, I prefer to enjoy my evenings here on off-nights, such as Tuesdays or Wednesdays. That way, you have the pick of seating and ample opportunity to send your waiter back several times while you debate over the many tasty menu items.

Service at The Cabana lends itself to deep conversations, as waiters are always in the wings but never intrusive. Plan on staying awhile; bottles of wine are 25% off during happy hour.

Tacos La BambaBest Artwork and Best First Thursday PatioWhere: 2005 Calder Ave., BeaumontInfo: (409) 836-6222Online: Tacos La Bamba on Facebook
It’s not the First Thursday of the month until you’ve inhaled at least two $1 tacos from Tacos La Bamba. Their parking lot becomes a party, and with a beer in hand (that you have to bring yourself), you really begin to appreciate the graffiti-style artwork that has been classing up Calder since its paint dried. The best part of Tacos La Bamba on First Thursdays is how it can be family friendly without ever feeling like you’re sitting at the kiddie table.

Bahn Mon TrailerBest Patio to Make Business ConnectionsWhere: 4585 Calder Ave, Beaumont,Info: (310) 463-0127Online: banhmon.com
To repeat a cliche, if you are what you eat, Bahn Mon patrons are innovative, creative and perhaps a bit outside the normal. What’s shouldn’t be surprising is that those qualities tend to reflect the personalities of many local business owners and entrepreneurs. In the friendliest queue you’ll ever see, you’ll find the people who are making Beaumont a city in which we love living.

Willy BurgerYou Haven’t Had Their Burger Until You’ve Eaten it OutdoorsWhere: 5535 Calder Ave., BeaumontInfo: (409) 892-3407Online: “Willy Burger” on Facebook
There aren’t enough adjectives in the world to describe the taste of a Willy Burger. Suffice it to say, they are good. But the best place to eat a burger is outside, and the taste of Willy Burger transforms into something even more fantastic when paired with a beer and consumed outdoors. If you aren’t already making up excuses to down freshly ground angus beef, trying one on their patio needs to be next on your to-do list.

Tequila RokBest AcousticsWhere: 260 Crockett St., BeaumontInfo: (409) 833-4002Online: “Tequila Rok & Blue Iguana Patio” on Facebook
This is the patio for all weather, but it shines in the summer, as crowds come out to witness live bands and DJs with a drink within arms reach. If I’m venturing out to a patio with the aim of listening to live music, Tequila Rok is the patio of choice. You can always guarantee something is happening on their patio, and there will be a drink special to match.

Luke’sA Casual Night Out With Games and Lots of FriendsWhere: 2325 Calder Ave., BeaumontInfo: (409) 347-8139Online: “Luke’s” on Facebook
Mentioning the best local patios without mentioning Luke’s would be sacrilege. From the sheer percentage of square footage allocated to Luke’s patio vs. their indoor sections, you already know this place is patio central. Giant Jenga pieces, Tuesday trivia night, a fire pit, and the best view of Calder are just a small part of what makes Luke’s patio special.

At first, Luke’s was weighed down under the expectations of what used to be Beaumont’s favorite tapas and martini bar, but they’ve since excelled at being one of the best local patios in their own right. Frequent live music with daily specials make a compelling combination. For casual nights with large groups of friends, Luke’s is the place to go.